The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has something for everyone. With so many activities to choose from as well as opportunities to relax and enjoy the view, you’ll want to find the perfect place to stay. As you plan your adventure, use this list to find the best Great Smoky Mountains hotels.
Contents
Bearskin Lodge on the River Hotel
The Bearskin Lodge has a rich history in Gatlinburg. Family owned, it is one of many ventures of the Ogle family since the early 1900s, all built on hospitality and a sense of welcoming people in. Among many perks making this one of the best Great Smoky Mountains Hotels are the free grab and go breakfast, free coffee and tea in the lobby, free wifi, and free parking. You will find that The Bearskin Lodge is within walking distance of the National Park entrance as well as many Gatlinburg attractions and restaurants. If you want to ride the Gatlinburg Trolley, you can get an all day pass at the front desk for just $2. Several room options are available, and the Bearskin Lodge offers a pool and a lazy river for those moments when you need to take a break from the park and the shops.
While chain hotels offer a sense of comfort in knowing exactly what to expect, our family does enjoy staying in a family owned and one of a kind hotel, especially with the down-home southern charm of The Great Smoky Mountains. Book directly with The Bearskin Lodge on their website or by phone, and you will get discounted tickets to area shows as well as a free upgraded room at check-in if you ask and it is available. Sign me up!
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort is one of the best Great Smoky Mountains hotels. From the moment you drive up, you will be enveloped in Dolly Parton’s love for family and togetherness. All resort guests benefit from free wifi and free resort parking, and, if you plan on visiting Dollywood during your trip, being a guest of the resort means a whole lot of perks at the park, including less time in lines with a complimentary Dollywood TimeSaver, priority access to the park, free door to door trolley service and more.
Several room options are available to choose from. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort also has dining options and a full service salon and spa. Two onsite pools provide a space to relax and unwind after a day at Dollywood or hiking in the park.
Margaritaville Island Hotel
Are you looking to put a little tropical paradise into your Great Smoky Mountains adventure? Book a room at Margaritaville Island Hotel, right in the center of The Island in Pigeon Forge, your destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Guests return to this hotel again and again because of the great service and amenities. If you like being right in the middle of the action, Margarita Island will be the best Great Smoky Mountains hotel for you.
Book direct, and you’ll get the best rates and have access to suites and fountain rooms. You might even opt for the Margarita Package, which includes everything you need to make the perfect Margarita in your room!!
Park Vista Hotel
Park Vista Hotel in Gatlinburg might be the best choice for you if you prefer to be a little bit removed from the hustle and bustle. This hotel is an easy drive to everything and is overlooking the city of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Amenities include free wifi, free parking, and a multi-level pool with waterslides.
This Gatlinburg hotel is a Doubletree by Hilton property. If you are a Hilton Honors member, you can enjoy perks from being a member as well as earn points for free stays. Our family especially enjoys mobile check in and the mobile key benefit from Hilton Honors. Other great Hilton brand hotels in the area are Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Historic Nature Trail and Black Fox Lodge Pigeon Forge.
Courtyard By Marriott Pigeon Forge
The Courtyard By Marriott Pigeon Forge is one of the best Great Smoky Mountains hotels, especially for bigger groups or families. It boasts fire pits, a pool and lazy river, a game room, and lobby areas for meeting up with everyone after a long day shopping or hiking. Of course, it is a great choice for couples or smaller groups as well.
This hotel is a member of the Marriott Bonvoy family of hotels. If you are not already a member, sign up now to get benefits such as member rates, mobile check in and mobile key, and free stays from the points you earn.
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Smoky Mountain Resort
If you are looking for more of a lodge feel for your stay, the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Smoky Mountain Resort will be the best Great Smoky Mountains hotel for you. You have your choice of a one- or two-bedroom villa or you can opt for the Signature Collection two-, three-, or four-bedroom villa with even more amenities. Families with kids give this resort great reviews based on the villas as well as the fire pits, arcade, billiards room, and pool. Splash Hollow, the interactive water feature at the resort, is also a fan favorite.
Becoming a member of InterContinental Hotels Group can benefit you with perks and points earning. If you would like to stay at one of the area’s IHG brand hotels but want more of a traditional hotel feel, the Holiday Inn Express Downtown Gatlinburg is a great pick.
Wyndham Great Smokies Lodge
When you are looking for the best Great Smoky Mountains hotels, this mountain resort’s amenities might tempt you to stay onsite for your entire visit. Of course, it is close enough to all of the other attractions that you can still enjoy the hikes and trails and the shopping and entertainment outside of the lodge. The Wyndham Great Smokies Lodge is located in Sevierville, Tennessee, which is just north of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Several suite options are available, and the reviews say that the rooms, as well as the endless amenities, make this a great choice for your stay in the Great Smoky Mountains.
The Swag
While many of the best hotels and attractions of The Great Smoky Mountains are located in Tennessee, there is still plenty to see and do on the North Carolina side of the park. The Swag is a luxurious boutique hotel located on a summit of The Great Smoky Mountains in Waynesville, North Carolina.
There are many rooms, cabins, and suites available to choose from, and both in-house dining and packed picnics bring joy to guests daily.
